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The Pirates struck gold in the 2024 draft.
Mississippi high school shortstop Konnor Griffin was surprisingly available at the ninth pick. This does a disservice to Griffin, as he’s not just a “shortstop.” He also excelled as the ace pitcher for Jackson Prep School and has experience in center field.
He was even honored with the BA High School Player of the Year award.
So, why did eight teams overlook such a versatile talent like Griffin in the 2024 draft? It stemmed from doubts regarding his hitting abilities—doubts he quickly overcame with a remarkable Minor League Player of the Year campaign in 2025, which led to him playing 21 games in Double-A.
Griffin’s swift ascent in his inaugural professional season has positioned him as the top prospect in baseball, and he is on track for an MLB debut in 2026. The big question remains: when exactly will that be?
Reasons the Pirates Might Start Griffin on Opening Day
Historically, top prospects often thrive without requiring Triple-A experience, and this certainly applies to Griffin, who stands as the top prospect in the game, alongside No. 2 prospect Kevin McGonigle.
Both players are aiming to skip Triple-A and reach Opening Day rosters, with Griffin set to turn 20 and McGonigle 21.
Few players aged 20 or younger have recorded 500 at-bats in an MLB season; the last to do so was Jackson Chourio in 2024. Before him were stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Juan Soto in 2019, while legends such as Manny Machado, Mike Trout, and Bryce Harper also belong to this exclusive group.
Talent
Despite his youth, Griffin stands out as the best shortstop in Pirates camp this spring, outperforming veterans like Jared Triolo and Nick Gonzales.
Team Competitiveness
The Pirates have taken steps to build a competitive roster capable of vying for a National League wild card. Offseason acquisitions include second baseman Brandon Lowe and right fielder Ryan O’Hearn. By adding talent, they increase the likelihood of success in a tight playoff race.
Future Incentives
If Griffin plays a full rookie season, he could qualify for Prospect Promotion Incentive eligibility. Should he achieve accolades like winning NL Rookie of the Year, the Pirates would receive a valuable draft pick worth about $3 million, similar to how the Royals benefited from Bobby Witt Jr.’s early success.
Potential Reasons Against Starting Griffin on Opening Day
The Pirates must prioritize the best interests of both their top prospect and their financial strategy. Griffin’s readiness for the majors is in question, as he had limited Double-A experience and has faced mixed performance in the spring.
Financial considerations also play a significant role. If Griffin is called up after April 10, he wouldn’t accrue enough service time for a full year, allowing the Pirates to retain control of his contract for an extra year. Waiting until later in the season could save the team significant money down the line while maintaining contractual leverage with a young, talented player.
The Pirates may consider keeping Griffin in the minors initially, giving him time to acclimate while managing potential service time issues that could arise from a premature call-up.
